Thiopentone versus propofol-anaesthetic of choice in patients undergoing modified electroconvulsive therapy

Background: The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment modality has increased over the recent years. This is largely due to the use of general anaesthetics, which reduces the physical and psychological trauma associated with the procedure. We attempted to compare the hemodynamic variations and recovery characteristics, along with their effect on seizure quality in patients induced with Thiopentone /Propofol, for Modified ECT.Methods: This was a prospective, randomised controlled study, involving 80 patients. Patients in group 1 received Thiopentone 5 mg/kg, while patients in group 2 received Propofol 1 mg/kg. The hemodynamic status and recovery status were monitored in both the groups for the first thirty minutes. Seizural duration were also recorded. Data was analysed using Students t-test and Pearson Chi-square test.Results: The induction time as well as recovery time was found to be significantly lesser (p 0.05).Conclusions: The quick and smooth induction, transient changes in hemodynamics, rapid recovery profile and minimal effects on the seizure quality altogether makes Propofol the preferred anaesthetic agent in Modified ECT

Zinc and cobalt complexes based on tripodal ligands: synthesis, structure and reactivity toward lactide.

International audienceThe coordination chemistry of a series of pro-ligands ([L¹]-[L⁶]) with cobalt and zinc derivatives has been studied. All complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR, elemental analysis, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Polymerization of rac-lactide takes place at 130 °C in the presence of cobalt and zinc complexes to yield polymers under solvent free conditions with controlled molecular masses and narrow polydispersities

Systematic review of the effectiveness of preventing and treating Staphylococcus aureus carriage in reducing peritoneal catheter-related infections

Objectives: To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of (1) alternative strategies for the prevention of Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and (2) alternative strategies for the eradication of S. aureus carriage in patients on PD. Data sources: Major electronic databases were searched up to December 2005 (MEDLINE Extra up to 6 January 2006). Review methods: Electronic searches were undertaken to identify published and unpublished reports of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of preventing and treating S. aureus carriage on peritoneal catheterrelated infections. The quality of the included studies was assessed and data synthesised. Where data were not sufficient for formal meta-analysis, a qualitative narrative review looking for consistency between studies was performed. Results: Twenty-two relevant trials were found. These fell into several groups: the first split is between prophylactic trials, aiming to prevent carriage, and trials which aimed to eradicate carriage in those who already had it; the second split is between antiseptics and antibiotics; and the third split is between those that included patients having the catheter inserted before dialysis started and people already on dialysis. Many of the trials were small or short-term. The quality was often not good by today’s standards. The body of evidence suggested a reduction in exit-site infections, but this did not seem to lead to a significant reduction in peritonitis, although to some extent this reflected insufficient power in the studies and a low incidence of peritonitis in them. The costs of interventions to prevent or treat S. aureus carriage are relatively modest. For example, the annual cost of antibiotic treatment of S. aureus carriage per identified carrier of S. aureus was estimated at £179 (£73 screening and £106 cost of antibiotic). However, without better data on the effectiveness of the interventions, it is not clear whether such costs are offset by the cost of treating infections and averting changes from peritoneal dialysis to haemodialysis. Although treatment is not expensive, the lack of convincing evidence of clinical effectiveness made cost-effectiveness analysis unrewarding at present. However, consideration was given to the factors needed in a hypothetical model describing patient pathways from methods to prevent S. aureus carriage, its detection and treatment and the detection and treatment of the consequences of S. aureus (e.g. catheter infections and peritonitis). Had data been available, the model would have compared the costeffectiveness of alternative interventions from the perspective of the UK NHS, but as such it helped identify what future research would be needed to fill the gaps. Conclusions: The importance of peritonitis isnot in doubt. It is the main cause of people having to switch from peritoneal dialysis to haemodialysis, which then leads to reduced quality of life for patients and increased costs to the NHS. Unfortunately, the present evidence base for the prevention of peritonitis is disappointing; it suggests that the interventions reduce exit-site infections, but not peritonitis, although this may be due to trials being in too small numbers for too short periods. Trials are needed with larger numbers of patients for longer durations.No peer reviewPublisher PD

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec

Gestation-Based Viability–Difficult Decisions with Far-Reaching Consequences

Most clinicians rely on outcome data based on completed weeks of gestational of fetal maturity for antenatal and postnatal counseling, especially for preterm infants born at the margins of viability. Contemporary estimation of gestational maturity, based on ultrasounds, relies on the use of first-trimester scans, which offer an accuracy of ±3–7 days, and depend on the timing of the scans and the measurements used in the calculations. Most published literature on the outcomes of babies born prematurely have reported on short- and long-term outcomes based on completed gestational weeks of fetal maturity at birth. These outcome data change significantly from one week to the next, especially around the margin of gestational viability. With a change in approach solely from decisions based on survival, to disability-free survival and long-term functional outcomes, the complexity of the parental and care provider’s decision-making in the perinatal and postnatal period for babies born at less than 25 weeks gestation remains challenging. While sustaining life following birth at the margins of viability remains our priority—identifying and mitigating risks associated with extremely preterm birth begins in the perinatal period. The challenge of supporting the normal maturation of these babies postnatally has far-reaching consequences and depends on our ability to sustain life while optimizing growth, nutrition, and the repair of organs compromised by the consequences of preterm birth. This article aims to explore the ethical and medical complexities of contemporary decision-making in the perinatal and postnatal periods. We identify gaps in our current knowledge of this topic and suggest areas for future research, while offering a perspective for future collaborative decision-making and care for babies born at the margins of viability

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) Communication Tool for Handoff in Health Care – A Narrative Review

Abstract Continuity of patient care is achieved by the clear and concise transfer of patient clinical information from one health care provider to another during handoff. Effective communication is a vital factor in providing safe patient care. Communication failure in a health care setting could lead to serious medical errors. Sharing patient-specific health care information during handoff requires situational awareness. In the hospital setting, most of the communication related to patient care occurs between nurses and physicians. Challenges of communication among health care providers are not limited to differences in training and reporting expectations. The Joint Commission, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI), and World Health Organization (WHO) recognize SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) as an effective communication tool for patients’ handoff. SBAR is a reliable and validated communication tool which has shown a reduction in adverse events in a hospital setting, improvement in communication among health care providers, and promotion of patient safety. This narrative review has highlighted the challenges of communication among health care providers, use of the SBAR tool for effective handoff and transfer of patient care in various health care settings, and comparison of SBAR tool with other communication tools to assess the effective communication and limitations of SBAR communication tool

Hemodynamic Responses and intubating conditions in laryngeal mask airway insertion a comparative study of propofol versus sevoflurane

Background: LMA is an effective alternative to the endotracheal tube for securing the airway in short surgical procedures. Propofol is a widely used anaesthetic agent for the insertion of Laryngeal Mask Airway. Sevoflurane is a volatile anaesthetic agent, which combines rapid, smooth inhalational induction of anaesthesia with rapid recovery, making it ideal for day care anaesthesia. Objective: To study if the use of sevoflurane can be used as an alternative to IV propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion. Primary objective: Hemodynamic responses during Laryngeal mask insertion. Secondary objective: Intubating conditions during laryngeal mask airway insertion. Study design: A Randomized control trial. Methods: 100 adults were allocated by randomization into two groups of 50 each; group P (Propofol) and group S (Sevoflurane). Patients in group P were induced with 2.5mg/kg intravenous propofol with 50%O2 &amp; 50%N2O and in group S with 8% sevoflurane in 50%O2 &amp; 50% N2O vital capacity breath technique. Laryngeal mask airway was inserted after adequate jaw relaxation was attained and hemodynamic responses like pulse rate, blood pressure were monitored. The grading of conditions for laryngeal mask airway insertion and number of attempts were noted. All the data collected was analysed statistically. Results: We observed that more number of attempts were required for LMA insertion in Group S (14.0%) compared to Group P (0.0%) which is statistically significant with P=0.012. Heart rate at one minute and 2 minutes after LMA insertion showed a fall with Propofol which was statistically significant as compared to Sevoflurane. There is a significant difference of fall in mean arterial blood pressure in group P during induction, one minute, 2 minutes and 5 minutes when compared between the two groups. Sevoflurane took longer time for induction and LMA insertion compared to Propofol which is statistically significant. Moderate patient movement were noticed in 5 patients of group S and no patient movement were noticed in group P and is statistically significant (P – 0.022). Quality of insertion with propofol was excellent in all patients. With sevoflurane quality of insertion ranged from excellent to satisfactory. Conclusion: Sevoflurane is associated with good hemodynamic stability but intubating conditions provided with propofol is superior. Prolonged time for jaw relaxation with sevoflurane when compared to propofol may delay laryngeal mask airway insertion. Quality of insertion with propofol was excellent in all patients. With sevoflurane quality of insertion ranged from excellent to satisfactory

Renal consequences of preterm birth

Abstract Background The developmental origin of health and disease concept identifies the brain, cardiovascular, liver, and kidney systems as targets of fetal adverse programming with adult consequences. As the limits of viability in premature infants have been pushed to lower gestational ages, the long-term impact of prematurity on kidneys still remains a significant burden during hospital stay and beyond. Objectives The purpose of this study is to summarize available evidence, mechanisms, and short- and long-term renal consequences of prematurity and identify nephroprotective strategies and areas of uncertainty. Results Kidney size and nephron number are known to be reduced in surviving premature infants due to disruption of organogenesis at a crucial developmental time point. Inflammation, hyperoxia, and antiangiogenic factors play a role in epigenetic conditioning with potential life-long consequences. Additional kidney injury from hypoperfusion and nephrotoxicity results in structural and functional changes over time which are often unnoticed. Nephropathy of prematurity and acute kidney injury confound glomerular and tubular maturation of preterm kidneys. Kidney protective strategies may ameliorate growth failure and suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes in the short term. In later life, subclinical chronic renal disease may progress, even in asymptomatic survivors. Conclusion Awareness of renal implications of therapeutic interventions and renal conservation efforts may lead to a variety of short and long-term benefits. Adequate monitoring and supplementation of microelement losses, gathering improved data on renal handling, and exploration of new avenues such as reliable markers of injury and new therapeutic strategies in contemporary populations, as well as long-term follow-up of renal function, is warranted